Samsung Heavy, LR subsidiary OneOcean ink digital technologies deal

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) will offer digital solutions, including some driven by artificial intelligence (AI), on ships it builds after signing an agreement with a subsidiary of UK-headquartered class society Lloyd’s Register. 

Lloyd’s Register’s OneOcean has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the South Korean shipbuilder to use its digital services and technologies on vessels to optimise operations and lower fuel consumption and emissions.

SHI plans to deploy technology on vessels to enable semi-autonomous operations where AI-driven digital solutions support crew to navigate ships safely.

The MoU will involve SHI and OneOcean sharing data and developing machine learning for lifespan performance modelling, enhanced voyage optimisation and boil-off gas models for SHI-built vessels.

“Through this partnership with OneOcean, Samsung Heavy Industries aims to provide digital solutions that offer tangible value to our customers and lead the way into the era of eco-friendly autonomous vessel,” said SHI chief technology officer and executive vice president Haeki Jang.

The MoU was signed in Busan, South Korea on 22 October in a ceremony attended by Mr Jang, SHI vice president and director Hyun Joe Kim, OneOcean managing director Takashi Nakagawa and OneOcean regional sales director Anna Ruszczynska.